certificate\diploma in financial studies (ifs/level 3)

Course OverviewThe Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS) has been designed to encourage students to be inspired to meet their lifestyle aspirations. This will be achieved by teaching them to apply appropriate solutions from the varied choices available within the evolving and competitive financial services marketplace. CeFS enables students to make informed decisions regarding their finances. It will also help students to become responsible borrowers, sensible savers and have an appreciation of the need for financial planning throughout their lives.The Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) has been designed to inspire students to meet their lifestyle aspirations through applying appropriate solutions from the wide range available within the evolving financial services marketplace. DipFS enables students to make informed decisions regarding their finances and helps them to become responsible borrowers, sensible savers and financial planners. Dip FS focuses on personal financial forecasting and monitoring, personal financial responsibility, ‘financial footprints’, other people’s financial choices and the longer-term impact and potential consequences of decision-making. In addition, DipFS explores the financial services marketplace from the point of view of the provider and considers the methods that providers use in order to satisfy customer needs, wants and aspirations whilst operating competitively and profitably. The Certificate Units (Year 12)Unit 1: Why Money MattersThe purpose of money, the concept of the personal life cycle, personal decision making, financial service products, exchange rates and consumer protection.Unit 2: Risk and Reward in Personal FinanceFinancial plans, managing money in different situations, risks of financial planning, attitudes to risk, how to make informed, suitable decisions and where and how an individual can get financial help and advice.Unit 3: Making Personal Financial JudgementsDifferent sources of financial help and advice, key external factors driving financial performance, how to make balanced judgements and the most appropriate financial services products to meet individuals needs and wants.The Diploma Units (Year 13)Unit 4: Financing the FutureBudgeting, personal financial forecasts, review and develop financial plans, recommend suitable financial options and implications for debt of individuals.Unit 5: Financial Services from the Providers’ PerspectiveFinancial services market place, external factors affecting providers, uncertainty and change and delivery channels of financial services providers. Unit 6: Enhancing Financial CapabilityStakeholders within the financial services industry and marketing materials produced by financial services providers. Entry RequirementsA minimum of 5 GCSE A*-C including English and Mathematics.Examination BoardIFS – Institute of Financial ServicesCourse Duration1 – 2 YearsAssessment MethodThree examinations are to be sat in December, March and June of each year of study. The overall grade bands across the 3 units are decided at a grade award meeting after the Unit 3 exam. Examination DetailsYear 12Certificate Unit 1 – Why Money Matters - 1 hour – January seriesCertificate Unit 2 – Risk and Reward in Personal Finance – 1 hour – March seriesCertificate Unit 3 – Making Financial Judgements – 1 hour – June series

Year 13Diploma Unit 1 – Financing the Future – 1 hour and 15 minutes – January seriesDiploma Unit 2 – Financial Services from the Providers’ Perspective – 1 hour and 15 minutes– March seriesDiploma Unit 3 – Enhancing Financial Capability – 1 hour and 15 minutes – June seriesExtension Activities and where to find themAll students should be able to access the lesson resources and other relevant materials which are placed on the P: Drive.Where to get extra supportStudents should watch the news on television, to read reputable newspapers (not tabloids) and to keep up to date with financial topics on the BBC website or other reputable websites. It may be beneficial to read Finance related books and journals based on topics studied, borrow books from the library to gain a broader knowledge. Websites and other materials will be referred to in lessons for students to continue to research in their own time.Catch Up ClassesLunchtime revision sessions can be arranged with the teacher. After school revision sessions can be arranged with the teacher. Easter Holiday Revision Sessions.Revision Websiteswww.ifslearning.ac.ukwww.ft.comwww.bized.co.ukwww.tutor2u.netwww.thetimes100.co.uk